Borleyi
Haplochromis borleyi
Haplochromis borleyi exhibits a slender, elongated body with a blueish-silver base color. Males develop intense red coloration on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, while females are more subdued. They are open-water swimmers, often found in intermediate zones of the lake. This species is a maternal mouthbrooder, with females carrying eggs and fry in their mouths. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial during breeding. Their diet consists of small invertebrates and algae. They are known for their active swimming behavior and add movement to the aquarium.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Haplochromis borleyi requires a tank of at least 200 liters with plenty of open swimming space. Water parameters should be maintained at pH 7.5-8.5, temperature 24-28°C, GH 10-20, KH 8-12. They are omnivorous and accept high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Regular water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm. They can be kept with other peaceful Malawi cichlids of similar size. Avoid aggressive species. Provide rockwork and hiding places but leave open areas. They are sensitive to poor water quality. A sandy substrate is recommended.